Public Statements

Hoyer Statement on Establishment of Commission on Election Reform

Statement

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statment after President Obama signed an executive order establishing the Commission on Election Reform:

"I am pleased that President Obama signed an executive order today establishing the Commission on Election Reform. As the commission takes shape, I will be following the process very closely and with great interest. Under the skilled leadership of Bob Bauer and Ben Ginsberg, it will be absolutely essential that the commission consults early and often with civil and disability rights organizations that have made improving voter access and reducing barriers to voting a central pillar of their missions. Unjustifiably long lines at the polls are only one of several problems that plagued the election process in 2012 and created obstacles for citizens seeking to exercise their most fundamental right: to register to vote and cast a ballot.

"It is my hope that the commission will build on the bipartisan foundation established by the Help America Vote Act of 2002, and, in particular, focus on how the Federal Election Assistance Commission can be reenergized to help state and local election officials and voting rights advocates improve basic access to our American democracy."